Thumb pain in Saudi physical therapists practicing manual therapy. Prevalence and consequences cross-sectional study

Background. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (wrmsds) are prevalent among healthcare professionals, particularly physiotherapists (pts), due to the physically demanding nature of their work. Upper limb disorders, including thumb pain, are common, with pts at high risk due to frequent manual therapy techniques. The prevalence of thumb pain, a significant occupational issue, has been studied globally but remains underexplored among Saudi Arabian physiotherapists. Objective. This study aimed to determine the prevalence, characteristics, and predictors of thumb pain among Saudi physiotherapists practicing manual therapy. Methods. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted in Saudi Arabia. Participants were recruited from hospitals, community health centers, and private clinics using a convenience sampling method. Data were collected via an online questionnaire, focusing on demographics, work characteristics, manual therapy techniques, and the impact of thumb pain on daily activities and professional practice. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and binary logistic regression. Results. Among 378 participants, 57.4% reported experiencing thumb pain. Thumb pain was significantly associated with female gender (64.1% of females vs. 50.5% of males, p = 0.008) and mid-level experience (72.2% of those with 5–10 years of experience, p = 0.004). Manual therapy techniques, such as mobilization/manipulation and trigger point therapy, were commonly used among those reporting pain. Thumb pain impacted daily activities (15.1%) and led to reduced use of manual techniques in professional practice (18.8%). Regression analysis identified gender (or = 1.911) and experience level (5–10 years vs. more than 10 years, or = 0.229) as significant predictors of thumb pain. Conclusion. Thumb pain is a prevalent occupational concern among Saudi physiotherapists practicing manual therapy, especially among women and those with moderate experience levels. Preventive ergonomic strategies are necessary to minimize work-related thumb disorders in this population.